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Transport News Brief Week 24
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
Trucks buoy-up May's registrations
Last week's van and truck registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows the total up 5.8% to 396,368 for the rolling year and down 0.5% in May. Within those totals, truck registrations are up 25.1% to 57,357 for the rolling year and up 23.1% in May. Van registrations are up 3.1% to 339,011 for the rolling year and down 4.0% for May. "Buoyant truck registrations continue in 2008 and strong order books suggest the trend is firm for the year," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Van registrations over the year to May are up too, though more modestly, as volumes are already at record levels. We expect these order and registration trends to hold over the next quarter."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 02 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Bus and coach registrations hit 12,257
Figures just published by the SMMT show 12,357 bus and coach registrations for the rolling year. On the same rolling year basis, the trend remains much better than expected for big buses, with a total of 2,729. Big coaches also set record levels at 1,184. Small minibuses, under 3.5 tonnes, dropped 17.7% to 3,269 while medium weight versions, from 3.5 to 8.5 tonnes were up 56.6% to 4,987. Overall the growth trend for midi and the heaviest mini buses slowed slightly, but the numbers are still strong. "May delivered yet more encouraging sustained growth in bus and coach registrations", said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Big bus and coach registrations have grown for six straight months and 12 for coaches. We're cautious about the year ahead, but from a better position than we expected".
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 02 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Manchester congestion charge coming
The SMMT's Policy Departments says it expects that Government ministers will confirm Manchester's congestion charging scheme any day now. This is part of the Transport Innovation Fund process and will be a two-ring arrangement, starting in 2013. Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council says less than 20% of motorists in the area will pay and those who must travel during charging hours will find their journeys 20% faster. There will be public consultation process across Greater Manchester if the government gives the scheme the go-ahead. So far it seems aimed at cars only and there are plans to spend cash on other types of transport at the same time.
More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217 or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk
Oxonica looks for truck fuel test partners
Following successful bus and coach fuel saving tests with Stagecoach, Oxonica is now looking for blue-chip truck operators to help the firm validate results in haulage and distribution work. "The trials with Stagecoach delivered fuel savings of over 4% in a three month test involving 550 vehicles," said Mike Attfield, director, energy at Oxonica. Stagecoach originally tested Envirox™, a fuel-borne catalyst that improves combustion efficiency, in a year-long trial on 1,300 buses. That delivered more than 5% fuel savings. Stagecoach says it is happy with the results and will continue to use Envirox™ across its 7,000 strong UK bus fleet. "Now we're looking for truck fleet operators to help see if we can deliver similar savings in their environment," says Attfield.
More from Mike Attfield on +44 (0)1 865 856 729 or mike.attfield@oxonica.com
New UK boss for Krone
German trailer maker Krone says Fran Pickering has joined its UK business as managing director. At the same time, Chris Lardner has joined as fleet sales manager. Krone is Europe's second biggest trailer maker, employs over 2,000 people and expects a turnover of about €1.4bn in this financial year, up over 20% on the previous financial year. In the UK it offers curtain-side, dry freight, skeletal and rear-steer models.
More from Fran Pickering on +44 (0)1 469 571 626 or info@krone-trailers.co.uk
Spraydown delivers 4% fuel saving
Spraydown says recent independent tests show fuel savings of up to 4%. The system, launched at the recent CV Show, had already been shown to cut spray by 40% compared with existing kit. Now, further independent tests done by the Transport Research Laboratory delivered steady state fuel savings of 3.8% at a constant 52mph. "Confirmation of fuel savings approaching 4% now delivers a compelling business case for fitting the equipment," says Steve Nesbitt, managing director. "Whilst actual savings in use will vary according to road conditions and the type of operation, we can be confident that the initial competitive costs of fitting the equipment will deliver a payback and more in a very modest period of time".
More from Steve Nesbitt on +44 (0)1 786 445 255 or steve@spraydown.com
UAN approves Roadlink as new CV supplier
The United Aftermarket Network has appointed Roadlink International as a new approved CV supplier to the group. The deal started on 1 April and covers Roadlink's full range of truck and van friction products, as well as discs, drums and new and remanufactured callipers as well as Koni shock absorbers and Timken bearings and seals from Roadlink. The firm recently launched its new CV brake disc and drum catalogue which details an extended range of drums and more than 80 new disc types. The UAN CV group includes 30 CV distributors and 40 branches.
More from Mark Field on ++44 (0)1 213 234 165 or markfield@unitedaftermarket.net
Cut fuel costs by up to 20%
Transfrigoroute says its meeting on Wednesday 9 July will tackle fuel escalation issues, breakdown recovery, aftermarket service for temperature controlled and general fleets and cost savings in fleet management and more. One contributor aims to show how to cut fuel costs by 10 to 20%. Admission is free and the event, which starts at 10:00 and should finish after lunch at 14:30 is at Scania's UK headquarters at Delaware Drive, Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8HB
More from Judith Ball on +44 (0)1 326 569 657 or secretary@transfrigoroute.co.uk
ATS wins Donnell & Ellis tyre deal
European heavy haulage specialist Donnell & Ellis of Omagh, Co Tyrone says ATS Euromaster will now do all its tyre service work. The new deal aims to use active tyre maintenance to cut unexpected vehicle downtime. Worth nearly £100,000 a year, the move will mean new tyre brands across the fleet; Michelin tyres on the 30 Scania tractor units and Hankook tyres on the 60 specialist trailers - some of which have a payload capacity of up to 200 tonnes. ATS started to look after the trailer fleet in late 2007 and cut tyre-related breakdowns by 50%. This won it the tractor fleet business.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler..com
FTA says SNP amendment would help but it's not enough
Andrew Haines, president of the Freight Transport Association told Scottish MPs that the Scottish National Party amendment to the Finance Bill is not enough. It would freeze or cut fuel duty to compensate for rising oil prices and while the FTA supported such a measure, Haines said it would not be enough and wants bigger changes in the tax process. He said the UK transport industry needs fuel duty parity with the rest of Europe rather than the paying twice as much tax. The FTA was working with the Treasury and had PriceWaterhouseCoopers produce a report that shows ways to cut the tax rate for commercial users. It will give that to the Chancellor this week.
More from Gavin Scott on +44 (0)1 786 457 503 or gscott@fta.co.uk
Fuel saving success
CarrierWeb says its new in-cab, web-based touch screen computer is delivering fuel savings of between six and 25%. Truckers across Europe are successfully using the system to analyse and improve driving styles and habits, resulting in valuable savings. The new unit, known as the MDT 3000, also allows direct digital tachograph download and reporting from the web.
More from Frank Kendrick on +44 (0)1 932 849 699 or frank.kendrick@carrierweb.com
Transaid week to challenge industry
International development agency Transaid wants the transport and logistics industry to go the extra mile to raise money for its work in the developing world. It will run the first Transaid Week, from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July this year, the charity's 10th anniversary. The aim is to raise £100,000 this year and Transaid's website www.transaid.org gives an A-Z of fundraising ideas. "Fundraising can be a great motivator for employees and provide some light-hearted fun whilst helping a good cause at the same time," said Chris Saunders, boss of Transaid. "For example, raising just £200 can pay for a two-week truck driver training course in Zambia."
More from Chantelle Cummings on + 44 (0)2 073 878 136 or chantelle@transaid.org
New container lift from Combilift
Combilift says its new Container Lifter allows much safer ground level loading and unloading and eliminates the need for ramps, cranes and time wasted waiting for them to arrive. With a 34 tonne capacity it will lift 20, 30 and 40ft containers and can lift two smaller 20ft containers simultaneously. The unit can also move containers directly from one trailer to another. "We believe hauliers will be quick to recognise the multiple benefits of the Container Lifter both for them and their customers," says Martin McVicar, managing director.
More from Martin McVicar on +353 (0)4 780 500 or info@combilift.com
Isotrak delivers new efficiency for Asda Home Shopping
Asda Home Shopping has specified Isotrak's 'highly sophisticated' Active Transport Management System to improve the performance of its 800-strong home delivery vehicle fleet. This will be Asda Home Shopping's first tracking and telematics system and one of the first to use Isotrak's ATMS in a van fleet. Installation work starts this month for completion in August 2008. The modular system "fuses" accurate satellite tracking and telematics data capture with a sophisticated transport management system based on Isotrak's 12 years of expertise. The system will deliver "huge boosts in efficiency" for Asda, cutting fuel use and carbon emissions and giving Asda its first live, helicopter view of performance for the fleet and individual vehicles. This means managers can easily see if and where they need to take 'remedial action'. Asda installed ATMS across its grocery delivery fleet during 2007.
More from Andrew Vincent +44 (0)1 869 353 800 or andrew.vincent@razor-pr.com
Scottish Ambulance Service takes genisys
Carnation Design says the Scottish Ambulance Service is standardising on its genisys electronic management system for all its new rapid response, patient transport ambulances and accident and emergency vehicles. "Having a universal vehicle electronic management system is vital to the service. By standardising on one system, our staff are confident that no matter which vehicle they get into, no matter what type it is or who manufactured it, the control panel in the dash is exactly the same," said Michael Jackson, general manager of fleet services at SAS. "The main benefit of genisys for me is its flexibility and the ability we have to make changes to the control functions without having to change any hardware." SAS has used genysis since 2001.
More from Sarah Withington on +44 (0)1 234 210 555 or ideas@kdm-communications.com
Truck & Plant opens UK depot
Irish truck, trailer and plant equipment specialist Truck & Plant has opened a two acre depot in Measham, close to the M/A42 in the Birmingham area. The firm says it aims to strengthen ties with its steadily growing customer base on the UK mainland. "With growing sales to operators across Britain, the establishment of a presence in the Midlands is a next logical step in our measured expansion programme," says Mark Montgomery, general manager. "This means that any potential customer is never far from the opportunity to view the metal." The firm sells all makes of new and used vehicles, vans, trucks, trailers and plant.
More from Trevor Longcroft on +44 (0)1 202 840 662 or tlongcroft@aol.com
Euro 5 Renault Premiums for Sparks
Sparks Transport is adding six new Renault Premium 450.25 tractor units to its 70-strong transport and distribution fleet. The firm already owns a number of Renaults but its fleet is mainly Scania, so Renault Trucks South West, which did the business, sees this as an important deal. The new trucks will do domestic haulage for Sparks' UK operation, moving food, drink, clothing and electronics across the UK. The family-run firm works from a seven acre site in Glastonbury, Somerset.
More from Penny Randal on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Another 50 Dublin deckers from Volvo
Volvo Bus says it has won a deal for 50 more double deckers to Dublin Bus. Based on B9TL chassis they will have with Wrightbus low-floor bodywork. This is a wheelchair accessible body via a powered ramp, has an anti-bandit driver's signal unit, Colour 10 camera CCTV system, an on board digital PA system and a real time information system. The new buses will go to work between November 2008 and March 2009 as part of Dublin Bus' fleet replacement programme.
More from Don Johnston on +44 (0)1 926 414 553 or don.johnston@volvo.com
Biofuels policy in the spotlight
The SMMT's Week in Brussels newsletter reports that the European Parliament's Environment committee has backed demands for biofuels to cut life-cycle emissions by of 50% compared with fossil fuels, to count toward an EU consumption target. The European Commission had proposed 35%. Mariann Fischer Boel, commissioner for agriculture and rural development defends the EU's position on biofuels and their effects on food prices debate, saying that the EU uses less than 1% of its cereal production to make bio-ethanol. She also supports the development of second and third generation biofuels, made from feedstocks other than food crops.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Germany in trouble on VW law
The SMMT's Week in Brussels newsletter reports that the European Commission has threatened to take Germany to court for failing to revoke a law shielding Volkswagen from a hostile takeover. The so-called VW law gives the German state of Lower Saxony veto rights over big decisions affecting the firm, but German company law normally fixes veto powers at a minimum of 25% of a company's equity. Porsche, with nearly a third of voting rights in VW, claims that the rule needs to be updated. The Commission has given Germany two months to respond or face a final warning. Lower Saxony owns a 20.8% stake in Volkswagen.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
UK Government defends its biofuels policy
The SMMT's Week in Westminster newsletter says that a debate in Westminster Hall last week concluded that the potential effect of supporting biofuels was not properly thought out before the government introduced its Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation. The debate followed publication of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee's Report: 'Are biofuels Sustainable?' Jim Fitzpatrick MP, transport minister defended the RTFO but suggested the government's 'policy of caution'. He also said the conclusions of the Gallagher report into biofuels will be available at the end of the month.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Last week's van and truck registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows the total up 5.8% to 396,368 for the rolling year and down 0.5% in May. Within those totals, truck registrations are up 25.1% to 57,357 for the rolling year and up 23.1% in May. Van registrations are up 3.1% to 339,011 for the rolling year and down 4.0% for May. "Buoyant truck registrations continue in 2008 and strong order books suggest the trend is firm for the year," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Van registrations over the year to May are up too, though more modestly, as volumes are already at record levels. We expect these order and registration trends to hold over the next quarter."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 02 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Bus and coach registrations hit 12,257
Figures just published by the SMMT show 12,357 bus and coach registrations for the rolling year. On the same rolling year basis, the trend remains much better than expected for big buses, with a total of 2,729. Big coaches also set record levels at 1,184. Small minibuses, under 3.5 tonnes, dropped 17.7% to 3,269 while medium weight versions, from 3.5 to 8.5 tonnes were up 56.6% to 4,987. Overall the growth trend for midi and the heaviest mini buses slowed slightly, but the numbers are still strong. "May delivered yet more encouraging sustained growth in bus and coach registrations", said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Big bus and coach registrations have grown for six straight months and 12 for coaches. We're cautious about the year ahead, but from a better position than we expected".
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 02 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Manchester congestion charge coming
The SMMT's Policy Departments says it expects that Government ministers will confirm Manchester's congestion charging scheme any day now. This is part of the Transport Innovation Fund process and will be a two-ring arrangement, starting in 2013. Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council says less than 20% of motorists in the area will pay and those who must travel during charging hours will find their journeys 20% faster. There will be public consultation process across Greater Manchester if the government gives the scheme the go-ahead. So far it seems aimed at cars only and there are plans to spend cash on other types of transport at the same time.
More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217 or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk
Oxonica looks for truck fuel test partners
Following successful bus and coach fuel saving tests with Stagecoach, Oxonica is now looking for blue-chip truck operators to help the firm validate results in haulage and distribution work. "The trials with Stagecoach delivered fuel savings of over 4% in a three month test involving 550 vehicles," said Mike Attfield, director, energy at Oxonica. Stagecoach originally tested Envirox™, a fuel-borne catalyst that improves combustion efficiency, in a year-long trial on 1,300 buses. That delivered more than 5% fuel savings. Stagecoach says it is happy with the results and will continue to use Envirox™ across its 7,000 strong UK bus fleet. "Now we're looking for truck fleet operators to help see if we can deliver similar savings in their environment," says Attfield.
More from Mike Attfield on +44 (0)1 865 856 729 or mike.attfield@oxonica.com
New UK boss for Krone
German trailer maker Krone says Fran Pickering has joined its UK business as managing director. At the same time, Chris Lardner has joined as fleet sales manager. Krone is Europe's second biggest trailer maker, employs over 2,000 people and expects a turnover of about €1.4bn in this financial year, up over 20% on the previous financial year. In the UK it offers curtain-side, dry freight, skeletal and rear-steer models.
More from Fran Pickering on +44 (0)1 469 571 626 or info@krone-trailers.co.uk
Spraydown delivers 4% fuel saving
Spraydown says recent independent tests show fuel savings of up to 4%. The system, launched at the recent CV Show, had already been shown to cut spray by 40% compared with existing kit. Now, further independent tests done by the Transport Research Laboratory delivered steady state fuel savings of 3.8% at a constant 52mph. "Confirmation of fuel savings approaching 4% now delivers a compelling business case for fitting the equipment," says Steve Nesbitt, managing director. "Whilst actual savings in use will vary according to road conditions and the type of operation, we can be confident that the initial competitive costs of fitting the equipment will deliver a payback and more in a very modest period of time".
More from Steve Nesbitt on +44 (0)1 786 445 255 or steve@spraydown.com
UAN approves Roadlink as new CV supplier
The United Aftermarket Network has appointed Roadlink International as a new approved CV supplier to the group. The deal started on 1 April and covers Roadlink's full range of truck and van friction products, as well as discs, drums and new and remanufactured callipers as well as Koni shock absorbers and Timken bearings and seals from Roadlink. The firm recently launched its new CV brake disc and drum catalogue which details an extended range of drums and more than 80 new disc types. The UAN CV group includes 30 CV distributors and 40 branches.
More from Mark Field on ++44 (0)1 213 234 165 or markfield@unitedaftermarket.net
Cut fuel costs by up to 20%
Transfrigoroute says its meeting on Wednesday 9 July will tackle fuel escalation issues, breakdown recovery, aftermarket service for temperature controlled and general fleets and cost savings in fleet management and more. One contributor aims to show how to cut fuel costs by 10 to 20%. Admission is free and the event, which starts at 10:00 and should finish after lunch at 14:30 is at Scania's UK headquarters at Delaware Drive, Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8HB
More from Judith Ball on +44 (0)1 326 569 657 or secretary@transfrigoroute.co.uk
ATS wins Donnell & Ellis tyre deal
European heavy haulage specialist Donnell & Ellis of Omagh, Co Tyrone says ATS Euromaster will now do all its tyre service work. The new deal aims to use active tyre maintenance to cut unexpected vehicle downtime. Worth nearly £100,000 a year, the move will mean new tyre brands across the fleet; Michelin tyres on the 30 Scania tractor units and Hankook tyres on the 60 specialist trailers - some of which have a payload capacity of up to 200 tonnes. ATS started to look after the trailer fleet in late 2007 and cut tyre-related breakdowns by 50%. This won it the tractor fleet business.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler..com
FTA says SNP amendment would help but it's not enough
Andrew Haines, president of the Freight Transport Association told Scottish MPs that the Scottish National Party amendment to the Finance Bill is not enough. It would freeze or cut fuel duty to compensate for rising oil prices and while the FTA supported such a measure, Haines said it would not be enough and wants bigger changes in the tax process. He said the UK transport industry needs fuel duty parity with the rest of Europe rather than the paying twice as much tax. The FTA was working with the Treasury and had PriceWaterhouseCoopers produce a report that shows ways to cut the tax rate for commercial users. It will give that to the Chancellor this week.
More from Gavin Scott on +44 (0)1 786 457 503 or gscott@fta.co.uk
Fuel saving success
CarrierWeb says its new in-cab, web-based touch screen computer is delivering fuel savings of between six and 25%. Truckers across Europe are successfully using the system to analyse and improve driving styles and habits, resulting in valuable savings. The new unit, known as the MDT 3000, also allows direct digital tachograph download and reporting from the web.
More from Frank Kendrick on +44 (0)1 932 849 699 or frank.kendrick@carrierweb.com
Transaid week to challenge industry
International development agency Transaid wants the transport and logistics industry to go the extra mile to raise money for its work in the developing world. It will run the first Transaid Week, from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July this year, the charity's 10th anniversary. The aim is to raise £100,000 this year and Transaid's website www.transaid.org gives an A-Z of fundraising ideas. "Fundraising can be a great motivator for employees and provide some light-hearted fun whilst helping a good cause at the same time," said Chris Saunders, boss of Transaid. "For example, raising just £200 can pay for a two-week truck driver training course in Zambia."
More from Chantelle Cummings on + 44 (0)2 073 878 136 or chantelle@transaid.org
New container lift from Combilift
Combilift says its new Container Lifter allows much safer ground level loading and unloading and eliminates the need for ramps, cranes and time wasted waiting for them to arrive. With a 34 tonne capacity it will lift 20, 30 and 40ft containers and can lift two smaller 20ft containers simultaneously. The unit can also move containers directly from one trailer to another. "We believe hauliers will be quick to recognise the multiple benefits of the Container Lifter both for them and their customers," says Martin McVicar, managing director.
More from Martin McVicar on +353 (0)4 780 500 or info@combilift.com
Isotrak delivers new efficiency for Asda Home Shopping
Asda Home Shopping has specified Isotrak's 'highly sophisticated' Active Transport Management System to improve the performance of its 800-strong home delivery vehicle fleet. This will be Asda Home Shopping's first tracking and telematics system and one of the first to use Isotrak's ATMS in a van fleet. Installation work starts this month for completion in August 2008. The modular system "fuses" accurate satellite tracking and telematics data capture with a sophisticated transport management system based on Isotrak's 12 years of expertise. The system will deliver "huge boosts in efficiency" for Asda, cutting fuel use and carbon emissions and giving Asda its first live, helicopter view of performance for the fleet and individual vehicles. This means managers can easily see if and where they need to take 'remedial action'. Asda installed ATMS across its grocery delivery fleet during 2007.
More from Andrew Vincent +44 (0)1 869 353 800 or andrew.vincent@razor-pr.com
Scottish Ambulance Service takes genisys
Carnation Design says the Scottish Ambulance Service is standardising on its genisys electronic management system for all its new rapid response, patient transport ambulances and accident and emergency vehicles. "Having a universal vehicle electronic management system is vital to the service. By standardising on one system, our staff are confident that no matter which vehicle they get into, no matter what type it is or who manufactured it, the control panel in the dash is exactly the same," said Michael Jackson, general manager of fleet services at SAS. "The main benefit of genisys for me is its flexibility and the ability we have to make changes to the control functions without having to change any hardware." SAS has used genysis since 2001.
More from Sarah Withington on +44 (0)1 234 210 555 or ideas@kdm-communications.com
Truck & Plant opens UK depot
Irish truck, trailer and plant equipment specialist Truck & Plant has opened a two acre depot in Measham, close to the M/A42 in the Birmingham area. The firm says it aims to strengthen ties with its steadily growing customer base on the UK mainland. "With growing sales to operators across Britain, the establishment of a presence in the Midlands is a next logical step in our measured expansion programme," says Mark Montgomery, general manager. "This means that any potential customer is never far from the opportunity to view the metal." The firm sells all makes of new and used vehicles, vans, trucks, trailers and plant.
More from Trevor Longcroft on +44 (0)1 202 840 662 or tlongcroft@aol.com
Euro 5 Renault Premiums for Sparks
Sparks Transport is adding six new Renault Premium 450.25 tractor units to its 70-strong transport and distribution fleet. The firm already owns a number of Renaults but its fleet is mainly Scania, so Renault Trucks South West, which did the business, sees this as an important deal. The new trucks will do domestic haulage for Sparks' UK operation, moving food, drink, clothing and electronics across the UK. The family-run firm works from a seven acre site in Glastonbury, Somerset.
More from Penny Randal on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Another 50 Dublin deckers from Volvo
Volvo Bus says it has won a deal for 50 more double deckers to Dublin Bus. Based on B9TL chassis they will have with Wrightbus low-floor bodywork. This is a wheelchair accessible body via a powered ramp, has an anti-bandit driver's signal unit, Colour 10 camera CCTV system, an on board digital PA system and a real time information system. The new buses will go to work between November 2008 and March 2009 as part of Dublin Bus' fleet replacement programme.
More from Don Johnston on +44 (0)1 926 414 553 or don.johnston@volvo.com
Biofuels policy in the spotlight
The SMMT's Week in Brussels newsletter reports that the European Parliament's Environment committee has backed demands for biofuels to cut life-cycle emissions by of 50% compared with fossil fuels, to count toward an EU consumption target. The European Commission had proposed 35%. Mariann Fischer Boel, commissioner for agriculture and rural development defends the EU's position on biofuels and their effects on food prices debate, saying that the EU uses less than 1% of its cereal production to make bio-ethanol. She also supports the development of second and third generation biofuels, made from feedstocks other than food crops.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Germany in trouble on VW law
The SMMT's Week in Brussels newsletter reports that the European Commission has threatened to take Germany to court for failing to revoke a law shielding Volkswagen from a hostile takeover. The so-called VW law gives the German state of Lower Saxony veto rights over big decisions affecting the firm, but German company law normally fixes veto powers at a minimum of 25% of a company's equity. Porsche, with nearly a third of voting rights in VW, claims that the rule needs to be updated. The Commission has given Germany two months to respond or face a final warning. Lower Saxony owns a 20.8% stake in Volkswagen.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
UK Government defends its biofuels policy
The SMMT's Week in Westminster newsletter says that a debate in Westminster Hall last week concluded that the potential effect of supporting biofuels was not properly thought out before the government introduced its Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation. The debate followed publication of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee's Report: 'Are biofuels Sustainable?' Jim Fitzpatrick MP, transport minister defended the RTFO but suggested the government's 'policy of caution'. He also said the conclusions of the Gallagher report into biofuels will be available at the end of the month.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
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